Informa has strengthened its leadership team and enhanced its share buyback programme amid strong trading across the business.
In a trading update, chief executive Stephen Carter said: ‘All Informa’s businesses are performing ahead or in line with 2024 targets, delivering growth and momentum, which sees us delivering at the upper end of guidance range.’
For 2024 revenue, this means it’s currently at the upper end of the previously guided range of £3.4bn to £3.5bn. Adjusted operating profit is forecast at the upper end of the £950m to £970m range.
Carter said this has enabled Informa to increase its 2024 share buyback programme by a further £160m to £500m.
“Momentum is strong across all major geographic regions, including North America, Asia and India, Middle East & Africa, with notable performances in B2B markets in Healthcare, Manufacturing, Technology Real Estate & Construction and Aviation amongst others,” Informa’s update said.
Informa also confirmed that Penny Ladkin-Brand joins as CEO of Taylor & Francis while Jill Dougan (pictured) has been appointed to the newly created role of group chief marketing officer.
Ladkin-Brand is the former chief financial and strategy officer at Future. Dougan joins from Centrica where she has held several senior roles.
Dougan said: ”I am excited to be joining such a fast-paced, international business as Informa. The Group has a unique set of specialist brands and first party data, and significant embedded value across its portfolio of intellectual property, creating numerous growth opportunities in today’s increasingly data-driven, digitally enabled world. I am looking forward to contributing to the Group’s future success.”
Shares in the London-based organiser rose 2.6% to 853p today (8 May). The wider FTSE 100 index was up just 0.4%.
